In a couple of months, it is going to be winter, and that calls for fish hunting. Fishing for walleye in winter is both challenging and rewarding.
With the right lure, it is a beautiful dance to watch. Experts say that walleye is one of the smartest kind of fish. So, the trick is to use the best lure, be patient, and you can have the time of your life.
To help you with that, we’ve picked out the top ones you can get and reviewed them. Have a look!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Walleye Ice Fishing Lures
- OUR TOP PICK: THKFISH Ice Fishing Jigs
- EDITOR'S PICK : Sougayilang Ice Fishing Jigs
- Bay de Noc Swedish Pimples Ice
Comparison of the Best Walleye Ice Fishing Lures
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What Purpose Does a Lure Serve?
The purpose of a fishing lure is to attract fish through movement, vibration, and color. The lure imitates the bait's natural movement that entices the predator fish to attack and ingest the lure. The top three ways a fishing lure can be used are:
As a Bait
You can use a brightly colored, high-end fishing lure or jig to attract fish and easily catch them. The single, double or treble hooks present on the lure help to lodge and set into the target fish as soon as it attacks the bait. Once the hook is lodged, you can easily catch your fish.
As a Surface Prey
Surface lures are designed to imitate shallow water prey, such as worms that usually swim on the surface to attract and compel deepwater fish to leave their habitats and come to the surface points and shorelines.
As a Deepwater Lure
Heavy metal lures quickly drop down into the deep waters due to the weight, which allows people to catch fish that are normally found in deep waters or lodge there during harsh weather conditions.
What Makes a Lure Great For Walleye Ice Fishing?
As already mentioned, you have to be smart when catching walleye while ice fishing. Three different types are perfect for catching walleye. Let us go through them one by one so that you can be successful in your next ice fishing trip.
Swimming Lure
If you want to catch a walleye with a lure that looks like a real fish, then a swimming lure would be a nice option. When you attach this with a proper jiggling motion, this lure moves like a real fish, making it the perfect bait.
These erratic movements can attract a walleye’s attention, and it can work even better with other structures such as bars, points, and sand. Swimming lures work better near dawn and dusk, especially in clear water.
Spoons
This lure is designed in different sizes, shapes, and weights. They are usually flat, or concave, and when the ice fisherman drops this in the water, it vibrates, giving it a sense of a real dying fish. This type of lure works best in clear water conditions.
Jigs
Jigs are one of an ice fishermen’s favorite types of walleye ice fishing lures. Experts say that the trick is to place the bait as deep as fish are and then navigate accordingly.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
Type of Lure: The lure type. Can include, jig, spoon, plug, etc.
Materials: The materials the lure is made of.
Lure Size: The size of the lure is measured in ounces (oz) and also by the length.
Color(s): The main color(s) of the lure.
Hook Size: The size of the hook attached to the lure.
Review of the Best Walleye Ice Fishing Lures
Here, we highlight some of the compelling features of the best walleye ice fishing lures. We’ve reviewed them in detail so that you know what to expect of each.
Best Overall:
Goture Ice Fishing Jigs
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the recent buyers and users of this jig have reported great efficiency. They said that it is nicely made, very easy to use, and works great. They also reported that in case you have a problem, you can call customer service.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product stands out to us because of its perfectly balanced design and high-efficiency sharp hook. This fishing lure is composed of high-quality components to offer outstanding performance. It is designed in a perfectly balanced way to create a real-life effect. Moreover, the hook on this product is the sharpest that you can get on any lure.
Who Will Use This Most
If youwant to use your fishing rod in the coming season, then you will be very happy with the high performance of this jig and lure. This product is made up of high-quality carbon steel so that your precious tool won’t get damaged with all the rust. Moreover, even if you go for saltwater fishing, you will not be disappointed.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, this product comes with simulation fish scales, 3D stereoscopic eyes, a perfectly balanced design, and high-efficiency sharp hook. If you are searching the market for the perfect walleye lure, this is where your search ends!
Product Specs
Materials:
Carbon steel
Lure Size:
0.035 oz/0.6 in, 0.036 oz/2.36 in, 0.63 oz
Color(s):
Assorted bright and glow-in-the-dark colors
Hook Size:
#10
Runner-up:
Yongzhi Ice Fishing Jigs
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers reported that if you want your bucket filled with fish, then you need to invest in these fishing jigs. They further reported that as they come with different shapes and sizes, it is easy for you to improvise, given the state of the water and weather.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like that this one is made from environmentally friendly material and its strong construction can help you catch fish more easily. It also has fish scales to make it more attractive to the prey, and its diamond eyes help with 3D simulation. Its perfect design makes it easier for you to catch fish in more attractive ways.
Who Will Use This Most
If you know someone who loves fishing and you don’t know what to give them on their birthday, then this product is the perfect option. With its creative design, strong build, and reliable construction, you can easily bring a smile to their face. It comes with different types, giving you a lot of room to play around.
Bottom Line
Different shapes, different sizes, variety of weight, durable and sturdy build, and similar other features of this model can help you catch the biggest fish in the water. So in the coming season, take your family or friends out for a drive by the lake and come back with buckets of fish!
Product Specs
Materials:
Plastic, Carbon steel
Color(s):
Multicolor
Best for the Money:
THKFISH Ice Fishing Jigs
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers reported that these jigs are easy to use. All you have to worry about is, make sure that you are using a superlight line with ultralight spinning, and you will be golden. They further stated that these hooks are a very fair deal. Moreover, when used, it was hard to bend these hooks.
Why it Stands Out to Us
In particular, this hook stands out to us because it is very easy to operate and very easy to imitate small creatures. You can use it with maggots, spaghetti worm, and multiple other small fish. Moreover, it allows the user to catch a huge variety of fish, such as bass, snakehead, pike, trout, and more.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are a fisherman who loves to spice up his or her game by catching a variety of fish, then you would be excited to get your hands on this hook. Attract the biggest fish in the water by attaching this jig to your rod. Plus, if you are not looking to spend a huge amount of money on jigs, this is the best option.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is very easy to operate, easily affordable, and helps you catch a variety of fish in different levels of sea or lake water. You don’t have to save a huge amount of money to get your hands on this.
Product Specs
Materials:
Plastic
Lure Size:
0.87" to 1.34"
Color(s):
Assorted
Editor's Pick:
Sougayilang Ice Fishing Jigs
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users said that these jigs are of better quality than they anticipated. They also said that it is the perfect deal in terms of money and quality. Buyers have caught their best fish, and they give a lot of credit to this jig. Some users have also used it for catching trout and other fish.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Two factors make it stand out to us; one is its attractiveness, while the other one is its unique body and design. These hooks are beautifully detailed to keep the hook bright and add a natural flare to it. Its body is designed in a perfect way that even allows you to catch shrimp as well.
Who Will Use This Most
For ice fishing, this is a must-have jig. Its diamond-shaped body is weighted beautifully, allowing you to benefit from its ultra-sharp hook. If you are looking for a deep water killer, then this is what you need to get your hands on.
Bottom Line
In all, this unit has a perfect height, weight, and length, allowing you to return with a good catch. With its ultra-sharp hook, you can land yourself the biggest prey. So get your hands on this jig and add a big fish to your dinner table.
Product Specs
Materials:
Carbon Steel
Color(s):
Variety of Bright, Natural Colors
Hook Size:
#8
5. Bay de Noc Swedish Pimples Ice
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users and recent buyers reported that ever since they got their hands on this lure, their success rate has increased significantly. Some of the users even regretted not using this jig as soon as possible. Others said that all it took was a couple of minutes to assemble and go in the water.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This jig stands out to us because it has a lot of flexibility to offer. If you are looking to catch a big fish, you can attach a jig that is perfect for use, and if you are looking to catch small fish, then you can use one that is most suited for that.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want to spice up your game, then this is the perfect lure for that. So, if you live by the lake and have some guests coming over, you can take them down the lake for a small party and impress them with your skills.
Bottom Line
Easy to assemble, easy to handle, high-efficiency rates, comes in a variety of shapes, and multiple other factors make this a perfect pick for yourself. So gear up because you have the best equipment at your disposal.
Product Specs
Materials:
Metal
Color(s):
White Ice
Hook Size:
#6
Honorable Mention:
THKFISH Ice Fishing Lures
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
These beautiful ice jigs are quite popular among recent customers who like good-quality and highly efficient products at reasonable prices. They love the realistic, appealing, and balanced design of the jigs that not only attract good game fish, especially in the icy waters but also provide durability and sturdiness.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most attractive feature of these THKFISH ice fishing lures is the innovative design and heavy-duty design that quickly allows them to reach wider areas and deep waters where most fish reside during the winters, making these lures extremely efficient for ice fishing.
Moreover, these lures come in bright, vivid colors with glow-in-the-dark jigs, making these attractive for game fish and darker spaces. Not only that, but the cost-effectiveness also adds great value to the product itself alongside the high-end design and features, making it a great investment, especially if you are just starting.
Bottom Line
These premium-quality ice fishing lures are an excellent choice for fishing during winters due to their heavyweight and balanced design. In addition to this, the sharp, penetrative hooks allow users to catch a wide range of fish.
Product Specs
Materials:
Plastic, High Carbon Steel
Color(s):
Solid Colors and Highly Detailed Paint Finishes
What to Look For When Buying a Lure for Ice Fishing Walleye
Buying a lure can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to fishing and do not know how to purchase the perfect lure from a wide range of products. To choose the right lure, you must keep factors in mind. These are:
Buying the Right Size
Catching different fish species require lures of different sizes. You must choose the size according to the fish you want to catch. Small fish such as crappies can be easily caught using small lures measuring a few inches, while you might need bigger lures up to 12 inches long for larger fish like northern pikes.
Water Temperature
Cold water compels fish to slow down, which means you might require a lure that produces fewer vibrations. Catching a walleye during winters requires a lure that does not bounce a lot as this can dispel less active walleye that are trying to save their energy.
Depth
Many fish species tend to go to deeper waters during the summers. However, they might spawn and look for food in shallow waters during the fall and spring. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind the season and the depth you will need to cover when buying a lure.
How to Catch Walleye Ice Fishing
Catching walleye is quite tricky. They are always on the move, and thus, you might need to follow some strategies and tricks to lure a good number of large, stunning walleye. Here are some steps to help you out:
Find a Rocky Basin
Walleye are comparatively less active in the winters, which is why they are most likely found in areas with rocks and boulders. The first step in catching a walleye is to look for rocky areas in the lake with an optimal depth ranging from 15 to 25 ft.
Drill Holes on the Surface
Catching a walleye from a single location is often futile as these fish are always on the move. It is better to drill multiple holes along multiple water depths with some distance and in a grid pattern.
Try planning your trip in a way that you get ample time for drilling multiple holes.
Fish During the Night Time
Most walleye are active during the low-light period of the day. This is why it is better to fish during the dusk or dawn if you want to catch a great number of walleye.
Jigging for Walleye Ice Fishing
Jigging is important to attract more walleye. Some tips for that are:
Drop Your Line to the Bottom
A lot of walleye is present at the bottom of the water bodies during the winters. The best way to catch them is by dropping your line and letting the hook sink to the bottom. Keep the fishing line taut.
Raise the Bait
In order to attract the target walleye, raise the bait off the floor painfully slowly and carefully. Lift the bait around 1.5-inch above the floor and hold it there. You do not want to spook the fish, which is why you must not move your line a lot while lifting it.
Start Jigging the Bait
If you haven’t caught a walleye yet, start stirring things up a bit by jigging your lure up and down or sideways. Jig speedily for a few minutes and then let it drop for some time. Again, jig for a few more minutes and then let it drop. Repeat this step a few more times. You are more likely to catch the fish on the pause.
You can also refer to the video mentioned below to get a detailed guide on how to catch walleye easily during winters.
Best Walleye Fishing Techniques
As a beginner, catching a walleye can be hard and frustrating. Even as an expert fisherman, ice fishing for walleye can be challenging, which makes it even more interesting and fun. For maximum results, here are some wonderful fishing techniques:
Use a Live Bait
Walleyes tend to be more attracted to live baits than plastic ones. For winters, in particular, use live minnows such as river shiners to lure a large number of walleyes.
Tread Shallow Waters
Most people try to catch walleye in deep waters. Although this might be a good technique to catch walleye in summers, these fish might also spawn and feed in the shallow winters, especially in the spring and early fall. There is a high chance of you finding some nice game fish near the shores and banks during these times of the year.
Use Trolling Spoons
You can use some trolling spoons to catch a great deal of walleye. Although it might prove hard to sink the trolling spoons deep enough, you can use downriggers, snap weights, and in-line sinkers to add a little weight.
Conclusion
Now that some of the very best walleye fishing lures are in front of you, it will be easy for you to make the final pick. Consider other factors such as water clarity, time of the year, level of aggressiveness with fish, and water depth as well. Fishing is an art, and now it’s time for you to master that art.
People Also Ask
Even with all the right tools, fishing is a bit tricky. If you have some confusion regarding lures or bait, we will help you get rid of that. Here are some of the frequently asked questions. Go through their answers carefully, and we are certain you will have all the information that you need to ace this activity.
What Hook Size for Walleye?
Walleye are neither very small nor very large in size. It is important to use a sharp hook of appropriate size that could easily lodge and set in the fish. We recommend a medium-sized hook around two to three inches long to catch walleye in ice waters easily.
Where To Find Walleye Ice Fishing?
Walleye is always on the move. During the warmer season and fall, this fish is mostly found in shallow waters near the shorelines. However, as winter progresses and the ice thickens, walleye move to comparatively warmer waters, such as the mid-lake humps, making them appropriate for fishing.
What Size Treble Hooks on Spoons For Ice Fishing Walleye?
For a subtle approach, we suggest using a simple 1/8 to the ¼-ounce jig head. However, if you want to use a slightly aggressive tactic, go for a ¼ to 1/3- ounce ice jigging spoon. For deep waters, use a ½-ounce ice jigging spoon about 2½ inches long.
How Do You Attract Walleye When Ice Fishing?
Attracting walleye is a tricky game, but by using the right lures, you can make that happen easily. Depending on the nature of water and trolling rods, fishermen use different kinds of lures. This includes swimming lures, vertical jigs, airplane jigs, spoons, live larva ice worms, and multiple other types.
How Deep Will Walleye Go?
Walleye can go as deep as up to ten feet. In summer, walleyes don’t go as deep in the lakes as they do in summer as the level of deep oxygen that the species needs is ten feet deep. Walleyes reside in relatively shallow deep waters.
How Deep Do Walleye Go in the Winter?
In winter, walleyes are found in a range of depth going from 20 to 50 feet. This fish tends to hug the bottom, so you need a lure that can easily reach the river floor instantly.
What Color Lures Do Walleye Like?
Depending on the light and water conditions, it is recommended to stick with an orange or red lure. It is found that the lighter the lure reflects, the better. If you have access to fluorescent orange, it is relatively better than simple orange. Choose your lure and jig very carefully.